Devs are asleep, Post Ponies - Mod for CK2

[mrguymiah]

You've got Luna's Royal Guard right. They don't appear to have large canines in the show but they do have bat-like wings.

Are you planning on also making the map bigger? The ones earlier in the thread covered a larger world than a somewhat small-scale eastern Equestria.

The current map has not been broken down to the smallest provinces, if you hadn't noticed. We'll make the map bigger, hopefully, once we have actually gotten all the different species, educations, etc done. Until then, we'll stick with our current map, but we're already considering expanding westward (Notice that "Old Equestria" in the top left?

 

[mrguymiah]

I had to double post, but I don't think the message will be seen if I just edit the last post. I'd like to report that things are moving ahead, albeit at a slower pace since several members of the group have been unresponsive. I'd like to ask anyone that cares if they could help out by giving 'ponified' town names. We're trying to expand the map, but we're pooped after 72 names. We realize that is nothing compared to the vanilla's 1000 or so. So I'm calling anyone who cares to help out.

There a few guidelines at the moment. First of all, we're not looking to expand the map by making it bigger, so no new countries (IE: Prance or Saddle Arabia). We want to have a higher county density. Our current map has a fourth of the Vanilla's area, but a tenth of its density(averaging up D: )

For Earth Pony town names:
1: Take inspiration from anglo-saxon names for these. They match the earth ponies gruffness.

For Unicorns:
1: Take inspiration from latin/french/italian names for these. They match their sophistication.

For Pegasi:
1: Take inspiration from weather and greek words/names for these. They match the warrior portrayal as depicted in "Hearths Warming Eve".

For Buffallo:
1: Native American names are the culture match. I shouldn't need to explain.

For Zebras:
1: African names are the culture match. Zecora is the only explanation I will give.

For Changelings:
1: Bug related. As seen in the current build, we have several hives (Chitinus, Chrysalis, Grey Monarch). We'd like to continue the trend with these.

For Griffons:
1: Celtic and Scottish (Yes I know it's a sub-sect of Celtic but I want to make sure people don't just think of Ireland) are the culture match. Their culture, as we depict it, is heavy on the bloodlust. This means weapon and battle names/terms can be inspiration.

I'd like to thank in advance anyone who decides to help. We really appreciate it. As for a progress report, I'm sad to say we haven't moved on much with the religious coding and the member working on the anti-species marriage coding has been unresponsive. (While writing this I made contact with religious coder, unsure if he's getting back into it or not) I will attempt to recreate what they were working on, but it'll take me time to pick up from their notes and code. As for the cutie mark system, we've decided to can it until a later build or perhaps for good, as we cannot think of a good way to implement it. We've thought, been told several ideas.

1) Overhaul the current education system to be cutie marks instead - REJECTED - Would mean all races get cutie marks, even if they aren't supposed to.
2) Leave the current education system alone and add flavour events to the game based - POSSIBLE - It'd take time and many would get the same mark
3) Create it like the combat level of characters in the Prince of Thane mod - POSSIBLE - Make it generic so that instead of specifying what the mark is, it is related to Diplomacy/Martial/Stewardship/Intrique/Learning.

If you have any new ideas for the cutie mark system or just want to specify which one you'd like please drop a reply. We're thankful to everyone who has helped so far and those who may help in the future.

 

[Matthew Gooding]

Relating to the bat ponies up there, Luna's guards, It's been the long held belief of myself and a few of my colleagues that the armor that all the guardponies wear acts as a uniform, magically altering their colors (and with Luna's guard their eyes and ears) to all look the same, which is why all the unicorns are white with blue hair and light blue eyes and the pegasi all gray with tan eyes and white manes. In The Crystal Empire Part 1, this is sort of confirmed when the unicorn guard removes his helmet and his eyes change from light blue to olive.

Names for towns...

Canterbury
Trotshire

In absence of any others, there's this list of old English terms that are slapped at the end of towns and counties in England.
http://anglosaxondiscovery.ashmolean.org/Life/settlement/placenames.html

 

[Tirenedon]

Relating to the bat ponies up there, Luna's guards, It's been the long held belief of myself and a few of my colleagues that the armor that all the guardponies wear acts as a uniform, magically altering their colors (and with Luna's guard their eyes and ears) to all look the same, which is why all the unicorns are white with blue hair and light blue eyes and the pegasi all gray with tan eyes and white manes. In The Crystal Empire Part 1, this is sort of confirmed when the unicorn guard removes his helmet and his eyes change from light blue to olive.

I've just rewatched that scene and you are right about the eyes, although, it could have just been an animation error. Also, the guard in question was an Earth Pony, not a unicorn and the Pegasi around Celestia had the white and blue colour scheme.

And mrguymiah, I’ll have some more event art done at the weekend. I hope.

 

[Clophiroth]

I´ll have my work done in the next few days, sorry, I have been REALLY busy with studies these days XD

About the Cutie Mark, instead of levels (what would mean some Cutie Marks are better than others), I would propose split them into the main stats, having three or four cutie marks for each stat. Each category would be specialized into that stat (so, an administration Cutie Mark will make you a good adminsitrator, obviously). But also, each cutie mark some smaller penalties and bonuses. So, inside the "Administration" category, the "Bussinesspony" Cutie mark will give you a good administration bonus, and a small diplomacy one (you know how to run a bussiness and deal with customers) while the "Farmer" Cutie Mark will give you administration, health and a bit of martial (farmer are stronger people, usually). Inside the martial, repressenting all kind of physical/action works, an "Athlete/Acrobat" would give you Diplomacy and prestige (everypony loves famous athletes) while the "Soldier" would make you a more skillfull warrior and tactician. So, most Cutie Marks would represent that, professions and special abilities you have, and generically tell you your "destiny" and area of expertise

 

[Zorlond]

My thoughts on a potential cutie mark system would be that education would determine the general type of mark a pony would get, as there are definite themes among the various ponies that have appeared on the show. Once the general type of mark is determined, the presence (or absence) of other personality traits would affect exactly what would appear.

Here's what very little I thought up some time ago, basically just some general theme ideas sorted by CK2 stat (Diplo, Martial, etc):

Cultural Symbol - This pony specializes in the ponies of the symbol's source. This does, however, mean their skills are rather limited when it comes to other cultures.
Entertainment - A more general symbol of some form of entertainment. These ponies do make reasonable diplomats, but tend to brute-force things a little too often. (Pinkie Pie, Octavia, Vinyl Scratch)

Animal - A creature of some sort. Ponies who can understand and be understood by all the non-pony creatures find themselves bridging gaps all around them. (Fluttershy)


Sport - This pony makes a great athlete, and is reasonably fit. Unfortunately, their mindset is set up for competition, not life and death struggle, so their value in war is minimal.
Weather Symbol - Clouds, lightning, and all sorts of storms. It's rough in the skies, and ponies marked by the weather tend to be tougher than most. (Rainbow Dash, Lightning Dust)
Law Symbol -
Weapons/Armor - This pony excels at protecting their friends. Whatever it takes, these ponies are willing and able to do it. (Shining Armor)


Glittery Object - While this pony has some grasp of the value of money, they appear more suited at spending it freely than making it. (Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon)
Food - Fruits, vegetables, flowers, or something prepared in a kitchen. A pony who knows how to get food on the table can always find work. (Apple clan, Carrot Top)
Valuable Material - Frequently gemstones, but metals also. Ponies with these on their flanks are well-skilled to run profitable businesses. (Rarity)
Money - The symbols of economic strength grace the flanks of ponies who can find profits in even the most humble of settings. (Filthy Rich)


Navigation Object - Maps, compasses, and similar devices. A pony can learn a lot just from the shape of the land, but not everything. (Daring Do)



Historic Symbol - A symbol that was used in older times, but has gone into disuse since. Ponies with this tend to be quite familiar with the context and use of their symbol, but their knowledge in every other area is lackluster.
Writing - Books, scrolls, and even writing implements. This pony can be quite organized and knowledgable, but don't have the knack for research.
Scientific Instrument - From telescopes to hourglasses, these ponies have keen minds and a naturaly methodical approach to study. (Dr. Whooves)
Celestial Object - Sun, Moon, Stars. Ponies with this type of mark invariably have a much deeper understanding of the world and magic. (Celestia, Luna, Twilight Sparkle)

 

[Summercat]

Hey all!

New topic for conversation: Celestia.

Mrguymiah and I have a bit of a disagreement on how to handle her, including how she appears.

Option 1) Not be an aggressor for 5-10 years while holding all three pony kingdom titles, and a high piety, spawns 'Celestia' and forms e_equestria. You then are given Celestia (Immortal undying character) as your character. The three racial religions are set to be heresies of Equstrian Religion (Same as "Mend the Schism")

Option 2) This one is complicated. Each of the three pony kingdoms have a "Love_and_Tolerance" variable. In events that would pop up, your actions can increase or decrease this variable. When the variable hits a certain level, Celestia arrives, forms e_equestria, and becomes an unattackable independent 'Pope' of a unified Equestrian religion (Same as Mend the Schism). Whichever kingdom holder triggered the event becomes the title holder of e_equestria.

There are other possibilities; if you've an idea for it, let us know - or if you prefer one fo the two options above, let us know. :3

 

[Bj0rn]

Hey all!

New topic for conversation: Celestia.

Mrguymiah and I have a bit of a disagreement on how to handle her, including how she appears.

Option 1) Not be an aggressor for 5-10 years while holding all three pony kingdom titles, and a high piety, spawns 'Celestia' and forms e_equestria. You then are given Celestia (Immortal undying character) as your character. The three racial religions are set to be heresies of Equstrian Religion (Same as "Mend the Schism")

Option 2) This one is complicated. Each of the three pony kingdoms have a "Love_and_Tolerance" variable. In events that would pop up, your actions can increase or decrease this variable. When the variable hits a certain level, Celestia arrives, forms e_equestria, and becomes an unattackable independent 'Pope' of a unified Equestrian religion (Same as Mend the Schism). Whichever kingdom holder triggered the event becomes the title holder of e_equestria.

There are other possibilities; if you've an idea for it, let us know - or if you prefer one fo the two options above, let us know. :3

Of the two I think Im more inclined to the first.

 

[Clophiroth]

I think I like more the second one, and it is more fitting for the setting: an unified kingdom doesn´t spawn Celestia, but a spawned Celestia unify the kingdoms.

 

[Zorlond]

Of the two offered, I think #1 would be better, though I think it should take longer, 15-30 years. But I have another idea to offer (with no idea of how programmable it may be):

Option 3) Discord arrives ala horde doomstack in a random pony county, to start taking land freely. Whichever title holder that defeats the origional doomstack (note: does not have to re-take territory back, just taking out the army will do it) spawns Celestia. In the event of an allied victory (which will probably be necessary), the second-place title holder spawns Luna. Celestia holds the e_equestria title, which has de jure over all pony lands (thus, good odds of getting diplomatic vassalage), while Luna has strong claim to the title. Both are unaging, of course.

Perhaps running the Discord War as a Crusade would be easier in terms of coding, but I'll leave that to the modders in charge.

 

[Mr. Capiatlist]

I like option #2 more. First, an undying character sort of defeats the point of a dynasty simulator. Also I am afraid that if done incorrectly, #1 will end your game. I am not sure if there is a way to just switch characters especially if they aren't of the same dynasty.

 

[Clophiroth]

Also, a Celestia born from an opressive kingdom which has wiped out the other races doesn´t seem legit... With two, as I guess "nice" traits and decisions would increase love_and_tolerance variable, acting as a loveable and tolerant ruler, instead of a warmongering one, will help you to get harmony

 

[Mr. Capiatlist]

Also, a Celestia born from an opressive kingdom which has wiped out the other races doesn´t seem legit... With two, as I guess "nice" traits and decisions would increase love_and_tolerance variable, acting as a loveable and tolerant ruler, instead of a warmongering one, will help you to get harmony

A MLP mod needs to stress diplomacy and alliance over brutal conquest... or it is just CK2 with funny portraits. You are on the verge of a totally different style of play, which if it can be done really well will certain put this mod apart from the others.

 

[tacojohn]

This all sounds really cool. I made this picture after being inspired by the potential awesomeness of this mod. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing it progress.

 

[Tirenedon]

View attachment 76544

This all sounds really cool. I made this picture after being inspired by the potential awesomeness of this mod. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing it progress.

Do you want to help me with the art? (That one picture is better than mine!)

 

[tacojohn]

I'd love to help, in fact, I've already made a good base for both female and male that I can easily manipulate and recolor individual parts. Just tell me what parts needs to be made and I'll get right on it.

 

[Tirenedon]

I'd love to help, in fact, I've already made a good base for both female and male that I can easily manipulate and recolor individual parts. Just tell me what parts needs to be made and I'll get right on it.
View attachment 76591View attachment 76592

Send mrguymiah a message saying that you are interested and he’ll invite you to the group. I'm just making new event pictures at the moment… well, trying to at least.

 

[Tarhun]

Hey all!

New topic for conversation: Celestia.

Mrguymiah and I have a bit of a disagreement on how to handle her, including how she appears.

Option 1) Not be an aggressor for 5-10 years while holding all three pony kingdom titles, and a high piety, spawns 'Celestia' and forms e_equestria. You then are given Celestia (Immortal undying character) as your character. The three racial religions are set to be heresies of Equstrian Religion (Same as "Mend the Schism")

Option 2) This one is complicated. Each of the three pony kingdoms have a "Love_and_Tolerance" variable. In events that would pop up, your actions can increase or decrease this variable. When the variable hits a certain level, Celestia arrives, forms e_equestria, and becomes an unattackable independent 'Pope' of a unified Equestrian religion (Same as Mend the Schism). Whichever kingdom holder triggered the event becomes the title holder of e_equestria.

There are other possibilities; if you've an idea for it, let us know - or if you prefer one fo the two options above, let us know. :3

Not sure about the gameplay consequences, but 1) is obviously much closer to the source material, at least as I read it. We know from Hearth's Warming Eve that Equestria was formed without Celestia's influence. And in the opening narration for the first episode, it specifically mentions that "in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together", saying nothing at all about the sisters being involved in the creation of that land. The story of the sisters starts with the land already existing. It therefore seems to be the case that Equestria existed for some time before Celestia and Luna were born/created. I think ideally it would make most sense to tie the coming of the sisters to the appearance of Discord. We don't know for sure if that's how it happened, but I think it makes a lot of sense from what we know about their history. Obviously the mod doesn't have to stick 100% to the canon version of events, but the canon version should at least be one of the possible scenarios.

 

[Xeno132]

option 4 youre a evil basterd and both Discord and celestia arrive with ther own dooms stacks and you have to fight both off at the same time tis would be if you have a 3 major kingdom titles an be EVIL! like I don't know a Tyrannical trait?

 

[adecoy95]

A MLP mod needs to stress diplomacy and alliance over brutal conquest... or it is just CK2 with funny portraits. You are on the verge of a totally different style of play, which if it can be done really well will certain put this mod apart from the others.

and a different map, different maps can make a huge difference to gameplay imo

one thing at a time tho really, first maps, then the great holy pie war with the northern cattlefolk?